A research academy directly affiliated with the Ministry of Science and Technology of China. Originally established in 1982 as the National Research Centre for Science and Technology for Development, CASTED was officially set up in 2007, and has developed into one of the most well-known and influential research institutions in China. It supports the decision-making process of the government by participating in the top-level design of the national S&T development strategy of China and by undertaking key strategic research.